1. Do go out and enjoy yourself

Chances are you will be finding yourself in a new town or city where you don't know anyone, so make sure you get out there and get to know people.

Freshers week is the perfect opportunity for this and even if you're feeling shy, remember that a lot of your new friendships will be built in those first few weeks and everyone else is in the same boat.

2. Don't blow your student loan in the first week

You will be showered with flyers for events and offered discounts galore when you first arrive.

As tempting as it can be to blow your loan on alcohol and new clothes though, remember that it's going to need to last you for a few months so make sure you budget sensibly.

3. Decide what to take with you well in advance

Whether it's cutlery or a mini fridge for your room, you will want to make a checklist of what you need well before you head off for uni.

As tempting as it can be to leave it until last minute to pack or get your mum to do it, she might not remember your iPad or something equally important to you.

4. Go to the Freshers Fair

So you went out the night before and can't really rouse yourself for the Freshers Fair, but surely it's something you can give a miss right? Wrong!

As boring as societies sound if you want to join up for the football team or any other group you might be interested in this is the ideal opportunity. Did we mention there are usually plenty of freebies too?

5. Living with other people is a learning curve

If you thought living with your parents or a siblings was difficult at times then you are about to enter a whole new world of social awkwardness.

'Who nicked my cheese?' and 'Who hasn't washed their bowl up?' might cross your lips a few times, but it doesn't have to descend into all out war though.

Set the ground rules early on as far as whether any food and drink items are shared of if it's every man for himself and you should be ok.

6. It's OK to feel homesick

It sounds unlikely but if you find yourself blubbing and missing your family and friends then you won't be alone.

Just remember to keep in touch and that they're only on the other end of the phone.

7. Open up a student bank account

You will almost definitely need one so make sure you get a student bank account set up before you go.

Remember to shop around and find the one which suits you best financially. Price comparison websites can come in handy here.

8. Consider getting a job

The latest surveys show that 77% of UK students are now working to help fund their studies.

It might not make for cheerful reading, however a part-time job could give you the extra through pounds in your pocket that you need. Have a look for job adverts in a few shop or bar windows as you get to know your new surroundings.

9. Invest in a decent laptop

Although there will be computers available in the university library, your laptop is going to be your number one friend for the next few years.

Whether it's writing notes or just browsing Facebook you will need a computer which isn't going to pack in on you and lose your work 3,000 words into an essay.

10. Learn to cook/use a washing machine

Some of you probably know how to fend for yourselves and cook/clean already, but if you don't those last few weeks at home will be a useful bootcamp.

Things like spaghetti bolognese, a simple curry and jacket potatoes are all easy enough to cook and no-one is asking you to make them entirely from scratch.

11. Don't forget to study

Amid all of this talk of cooking, cleaning and going out to party we've forgotten the main reason why you've come here.

The first week will generally be study free, but before the second comes round you'll need to familiarise yourself with your lecture timetable and where you need to go.

As much as you want to have fun, no-one wants to be that person who went away for three years and came back with nothing to show for it.